Wallows and BENEE shake up Austin’s Moody Center on the Model Tour
On August 15th, thousands of ecstatic fans braved the heat to flock to Austin’s Moody Center where world-renowned acts, Wallows and BENEE, would perform on the Model Tour. The anticipation of the show was palpable, with fans eagerly dismissive of the scorching heat, remarking the worthwhile sweat and swelter outside the venue before the doors gave way to a flood of indie pop fanatics. Nearly everything outside the venue became an object of a distant memory as all focus and energy shifted to the Wallows and BENEE sets to come. All there was the heat of the evening; the sun, the lights, and the bright and burning energy of live music aficionados, teeming with supportive spirit for these indie powerhouse acts.
BENEE, with infectious energy and casually killer live sound, kicked off the show with her signature charisma and unmistakable vocals. The New Zealander’s set list had the crowd bouncing and shaking from the barricade to nose bleeds, screaming along to “Kool,” “Soaked,” “Beach Boy,” and her closing hit, “Supalonely.” It didn’t take long before a fan threw a cowgirl hat complete with feathered fringe onto the stage. A warm Texas welcome, BENEE was quick to don it and complete the look with a beaming smile and quirky dance moves to show playful appreciation. How the fans were able to scream in approval after singing along at full volume to each of her songs is nothing short of a miracle. (But you know, that’s how Austin holds it down!) Between the ground-shaking bass, shimmering live guitar, and BENEE’s captivating stage presence, the glimmers in the eyes of the fans weren’t just from the stage production lights. BENEE’s creating a moment for herself and her listeners in the indie music world, one sweet and enticing performance at a time.
BENEE was only the (incredible) beginning. As fans caught their breath from her set, shaking where they stood in anticipation for Wallows, a curtain with the headliner’s name dropped and loomed over an electric crowd. Just like that, the lights dropped hand in hand with the banner, revealing a backlit silhouette of Wallows behind a misty white curtain. And, just like that, the Moody Center erupted with applause and screams only ever evoked when in the presence of young alternative rock maestros. The deep swell of “Do Not Wait” summoned a deep nostalgia of the band’s debut album. On the heels of the lyric, “Do not wait, do not wait, I’ll be there, I’ll be–” the band cut right into one of their most impressive tracks from the Model album, “Your Apartment.” The clever and clean guitar harmonies were unmistakably and instantaneously recognized by the devoted crowd, singing along with frontman Dylan Minnette in every octave at full volume.
The band, comprised of Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters (guitar and bass), and drummer Cole Preston, showcased their signature indie rock and alternative pop they’ve been blending throughout their first three albums. Accompanied by a host of impressive touring members, their sonic presence crafted a strong ambience in real time while staying true to the band’s official core trio. As any frontman with an explosive streak of passion and focus, Dylan’s musical prowess pumped no brakes alongside the ruthless dedicated performances of his bandmates.
Featured a mix of fan favorites and newer tracks, Wallows gave Austin their finest renditions of “Scrawny,” “Canada,” “She’s An Actress,” and of course their recent hit, “Calling After Me.” The chemistry between the band mates as they jammed through their set list felt prepared, intentional, yet crafted to be yielding to whatever the present moment asked for. Thanking the crowd for how insane it was to be there in that arena with them, the group brought a type of gratitude and joy to play that cannot be created in facade.
The crowd was enthusiastic and engaged, responding to every song with excitement and energy. “What the fuck is up, Austin? […] This is our first time playing an arena like this,” Dylan confessed to a roaring crowd. “Austin’s one of our favorite cities,” he continued. In a city rich with music culture and history, the enthusiasm and participation of the audience only added to the sincerity of a beautiful first for a band that deserves their flowers for their latest album, Model.
The production was tastefully minimal compared to many other shows in the alt/indie scenes, utilizing lighting and thematic elements of their album visuals throughout the experience. Best described as nostalgic and focal to the music, the show left no room for disappointment from a live perspective as well as an artistically immersive experience fans expect with bands of this caliber. Wallows and their opening act, BENEE, nailed the atmosphere and graciously welcomed us all to be part of it. One of the best parts of leaving a concert is the euphoria of the collective buzz still stuck on your skin like goosebumps, but this show left the crowd with an added special element that seemed to pull off an uncanny way of locking each and every person in attendance in step with the nostalgic and reflective feeling that the Model album naturally delivered.
Perhaps if you’re reading this, it’s not too late to catch one of their shows while Wallows and BENEE are still touring. Get tickets while they’re still available. (And before you go, listen to Wallows’ latest album and BENEE’s entire discography. You’re gonna want to match the energy.)
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